SHANE Duffy will come back into contention for Blackburn Rovers tonight after being given the chance to reflect on the events that led up to the worst night of his Ewood Park career.

The centre-back scored two own goals before being sent off in last Wednesday’s 2-1 Championship loss at Cardiff City.

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That meant Duffy sat out Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Burton Albion through suspension.

But the 24-year-old has been named in the Rovers squad for this evening’s EFL Cup second-round clash at home to Crewe Alexandra.

And Owen Coyle hopes Duffy will return in a better frame of mind after he turned down a new deal and saw a potential move to Brighton & Hove Albion blocked before his Cardiff City Stadium shocker.

Rovers manager Coyle, speaking yesterday, said: “Shane has come in today and he showed a fantastic attitude and a real positivity.

“I had a chat with him last week and, because he was suspended, I gave him a few days off to spend time with his family so he could prioritise what needs to be in his best interests.

“He came in today with a big smile on his face, he was prepared to work hard, and it was great to have him back.

“The game we’re in can be very intense and, as a young man, it’s probably the first time Shane has had to deal with the kind of situation he’s in.

“I’ve had experience of it myself and I explained to Shane how quickly the game can change.

“If you look at Michail Antonio at West Ham United, he was get pillared last week for giving a penalty away. He was taken off by his manager, and within five or six days the boy is an absolute hero after scoring the first goal at their new stadium in front of 60,000 fans.

“That’s how quickly football can change. Shane knows that.

“He was beside himself last week. He felt horrible. He never went out to make mistakes and score own goals.

“And I’m sure mentally he will come through it, as horrible as it was, and be better for that experience.

“We need good players available and playing well and Shane Duffy is certainly a good player.”

Winger Ben Marshall is in a similar situation to Duffy.

He also has less than 12 months left on his current contract and he has also rejected fresh terms after seeing a bid from Wolves knocked back.

Former Bolton Wanderers boss Coyle has confirmed Rovers have not received new offers for the wantaway duo.

“It doesn’t help players when there’s speculation and there’s interest from other clubs as everybody will have an opinion on it and they will be getting told one thing in one ear and another thing in the other,” said Coyle, who stilll wants Duffy and Marshall to sign new deals.

“I’ve said to Shane and Ben what I’ve said to many players down the years. Boys like Gary Cahill.

“With Gary Cahill every transfer window there was intense speculation. I said to Gary, and I’ve relayed the same to the boys, that the only thing they can affect is what they do on the field.

“That’s what they have to take control of. And I’m pretty sure Shane now understands that. He seemed in a very good place today and long may that continue.”